The mission of Concordia University, a university of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, and for the enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel. This mission is achieved when students pursue programs grounded in the liberal arts and focused on education for vocation in home, workplace, community, and congregation.

“Thoughtful and informed living,” as stated in Concordia’s mission statement, can be actualized when information is critically considered. The Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Information Literacy Standards indicate five key skills essential for information literacy. As a university library, we aim to help the Concordia community develop these skills in order to further prepare them for “thoughtful and informed living.” The most effective information literacy programs are backed not only by library staff but by a university’s administrators, faculty, and staff as well. With collaboration, Concordia University can truly become a learning community.

ACRL Information Literacy Standards

KNOW: The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.ACCESS: The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.EVALUATE: The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.USE: The information literate student, individually or as a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.ETHICAL/LEGAL: The information literate student understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally. This standard recognizes that students must be taught the social, economic, and political issues surrounding information, specifically the ethical and legal uses of information and its technology.

Please join the Concordia University Library Technology Center staff in their goal of developing information-literate students by using these course offerings in the development of your own classes and programs.